Public get behind scenes in local studios

Roger Bond of Kerikeri tries a wheel kaleidoscope made by Andrew and Robyn Leary. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Hundreds of art lovers descended on Kerikeri during Labour Weekend for a rare chance to meet the town's artists and see them at work in their home studios.

The Kerikeri Open Art Studios Trail (Koast), which was first held last year, featured 48 artists at 33 locations.

Guest artist Andy Morrison of Peria.

Ten new artists and five guests from outside the Bay of Islands were invited to make sure there was something new for return visitors to the festival.

A soap bubble as seen through a kaleidoscope made by Andrew and Robyn Leary (left). Photo / Peter de Graaf

This year's trail featured painting, sculpture, textile art, glass, jewellery, astrophotography, ceramics, carving and even kaleidoscope making.

Jane Molloy-Wolt, a recent arrival from Christchurch in her third year of a bachelor of Applied Arts at NorthTec's Kerikeri campus, is this year's Koast "student of merit". Photo / Peter de Graaf

Organiser Ann Winship said visitors enjoyed the chance to interact with artists and see art at its source. The event is inspired by the art trail held at Whangarei Heads every Easter.

Koast organiser Ann Winship with some of her "spirit vessels", sculptures woven from copper wire. Photo / Peter de Graaf

-Photos by Peter de Graaf.